Beijing – also known as Peking – is the capital of China. It is one of the most important administrative and business centres of the world, but tourists certainly don’t visit for the bureaucracy. They visit because Beijing has hundreds of must-see cultural landmarks, including temples, palaces and even hidden caves. Not to forget the amazing restaurants serving authentic Chinese dishes with local produce. If you have never been before, you should travel to Beijing and experience the heartbeat of China for yourself – and one of the local Seven Wonders of the World!
Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Beijing is one of the oldest places of human habitation. Its long history has given it a rich culture and plenty of fantastic landmarks to explore. In fact, this single region has a whopping seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including palaces, temples, tombs and the renowned Forbidden City. That’s more than any other place.
From being home to the Chinese emperors of yesteryear to its Fortune 500 headquarters you will find there today, Beijing has maintained its intriguing past while remaining a global power in modern times.
A Chance to Visit the Great Wall. Thousands of visitors flock to see The Great Wall of China each year. Although you can see this special wall from space, it is much better to get a closer look when in Beijing. Most tourists choose to visit the wall when in Beijing because one section of the wall, known as Mutianyu, is located fewer than 50 miles from the centre of the city. The wall is even one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
If you are ever visiting Beijing, you should do whatever you can to make sure you head to Mutianyu and see it for yourself. Book a trip or guided tour with Sandhills Travel for an even more memorable visit!
The Best Time to Visit Beijing. Beijing is beautiful and charming throughout the year, but most tourists prefer to visit Beijing when the climate is most comfortable. During the summer months it can be sweltering hot, while the winter months can be exceptionally cold often bringing snowfall to the region. For these reasons, the ideal time to visit Beijing is between March and May, or between September and October. The climate is much more enjoyable during these months. Additionally, the scenery and florals tend to be more colourful and vibrant at these times, making your trip photo perfect!
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
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We’ll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Luzern (Lucerne) for a “Welcome to Switzerland” meeting. Then we’ll take a meandering evening walk through Switzerland’s most charming lakeside town, and get acquainted with one another over dinner together. Sleep in Luzern (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zurich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.
Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Favorite At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
It’s market day in Lausanne! Enjoy browsing and packing a picnic lunch for our 11 a.m. boat cruise on Lake Geneva. A few miles down-shore we’ll dock at Château de Chillon, where we’ll have a guided tour of this delightfully medieval castle on the water. On our way back we’ll take time to peek into the vineyards surrounding Lutry before returning to Lausanne. Boat: 2 hrs. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.
